This week’s retrograde duo of releases on the European and Australian Virtual Console service throw up a Double Dragon-alike side-scrolling beat-em-up and Wonderboy… launched under a different name. Cunning.

River City Ransom (Nintendo Entertainment System, 1-2 Players, 500 Wii Points):

River City Ransom has been described as a cross between a beat ‘em up and a role-playing game. The game follows a linear path from start to finish. The fighting style is very similar to Double Dragon, in that the player can move freely around the screen while pressing buttons to punch, kick, or jump. However, the characters’ effectiveness in battle is determined by several statistics and their knowledge of fighting techniques, such as Acro Circus, Stone Hands, and Dragon Feet, which are purchased like items in shops throughout the city using funds recovered from defeated gang members. This loot may also be spent on various food items and spa treatments which serve to revitalize the player’s stats, while displaying a funny animation.

River City Ransom is the updated version of the highly-acclaimed Japanese game, Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari, which was originally published on the NES. Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari was a cross-over between a beat-em-up and a role-playing game.

River City Ransom is the story of two friends, Alex and Ryan. The main storyline is to save Cyndi, Ryan’s girlfriend, who has been kidnapped by a gang of bad guys. The game uses a side-scrolling fighting style, featuring various different techniques and many weapons. It also has role-playing components to it, as the player will be required to acquire items as well as developing and tracking the stats for their characters. Exploring River City to rescue Cyndi, Alex and Ryan will face the many gangs of the city - and each gang has its own territory and style.

Adventure Island (Nintendo Entertainment System, 1 Player, 500 Wii Points):

Developed by Hudson Soft, Adventure Island was an adaptation of the arcade game Wonder Boy, which was ported to Sega home gaming systems under its original name, except for the North American release of the Game Gear version, where it was called Revenge of Drancon. Adventure Island would go on to found a successful video game franchise with many sequels.

A mysterious tropical paradise known as Adventure Island is the setting for this side-scrolling action game. The evil Witch Doctor has kidnapped Tina, the true love of Master Higgins. To save her, you must safely guide Master Higgins through eight perilous stages - including dense forests and creepy caves - while defeating all of the enemies in your path.

Each area is made up of four rounds filled with enemies determined to stop you in your tracks. In addition, as time passes, Master Higgins’s vitality is automatically drained. To keep going, he must eat constantly by grabbing fruit, milk and whatever other goodies he can as he races toward his goal. Sometimes eggs containing miraculous items like axes to throw at enemies or honey that grants temporary invincibility will appear. Use items skilfully to help you clear the areas. At the end of each area you’ll face the Witch Doctor, who you must defeat to advance. Go, Master Higgins, go!

Until next week… enjoy!